The Impressive Cize Bolozon Viaduct

A classic

Walkers love to admire the Cize-Bolozon Viaduct, around 25 km east of Bourg-en-Bresse. It may not be as impressive as Millau Viaduct, but this elegant construction over Ain river certainly makes an impact.

This work of art in the first foothills of the Jura mountains has even become a symbol of our destination. It features in all the photography books about the region. It also features on postcards that you will see when you’re exploring the historic centre of Bourg-en-Bresse.

Getting there

Pic-nique aux bords de l'Ain (Jarbonnet) et promenade vers Viaduc de Cize-Bolozon, Ain.

Up close or from further away, it makes an impression

You can of course come and admire it up close. There is a small car park. Informative signs provide information about the history. If you prefer to admire the construction from afar, there are a number of walks in the area with great views. Don’t forget to take photos!

All about the Maquis

Since 1870, steam trains have passed over this bridge, then diesel-powered trains, and today the TGV high-speed trains continue to reinforce the importance of this bridge in connecting Bourg-en-Bresse and Oyonnax, and Paris and Geneva. The bridge as we see it today crosses over the Ain river and boasts eleven rounded arches over two levels. 273 metres of technical genius in a challenging environment! In the 19th century, the bridge was significantly damaged during sabotage operations led by the Maquis in July 1944. It was rebuilt to look almost identical to the original one but this time in concrete and covered in stone. It was then reopened for traffic in 1950. This bridge is a unique one in that the railroad tracks are on the top level, and cars can drive along the lower level.

Breath-taking

Valentin Ginel paragliding under one of the arches of Cize-Bolozon Viaduct

Inside - Cize Bolozon - a paragliding story

Valentin Ginel passe sous une arche du viaduc de Cize-Bolozon

Nearby

If you still have some time left, you can also visit the Gouffre de Fontaine Noire. You’ll have a magnificent view of the Ain river, eight kilometres north east of Cize-Bolozon Viaduct, in the town of Corveissiat, near the chapel of Saint-Maurice d’Echazeaux.

From discovery to discovery